Easy Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe
A hearty and comforting Easy Cabbage Roll Soup that captures all the delicious flavors of traditional cabbage rolls in a warm, satisfying bowl. This soup features lean ground beef, tender cabbage, fresh vegetables, and brown rice simmered in a savory tomato and beef broth base, making it perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner.
- Author: Felix
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Main Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- Kosher salt and ground pepper, to taste
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced finely
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, quartered and sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
- A few spears of fresh thyme, leaves picked
- 1 small green cabbage, chopped (about 6–7 cups)
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 3 x 8 oz cans crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup brown rice (uncooked) or quinoa
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tbsp honey
- Heat the oil: In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
- Cook the ground beef: Add 1 pound of lean ground beef to the pot and cook, using a wooden spatula to break up and mince the meat as it browns. Season the beef with kosher salt and ground pepper to taste, stirring frequently until fully browned.
- Sauté the vegetables: Stir in the diced onion, minced garlic, quartered and sliced carrots, diced red bell pepper, and fresh thyme leaves. Cook for several minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and become fragrant.
- Deglaze the pot: Pour in 1/2 cup of the beef broth and stir vigorously to deglaze, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits for extra flavor.
- Add remaining ingredients: Add the chopped cabbage, remaining 3.5 cups beef broth, crushed tomatoes, uncooked brown rice (or quinoa), bay leaf, and 1 tablespoon honey. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Allow the soup to simmer for 35-40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the cabbage is cooked through.
- Finish and serve: Remove and discard the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve the soup hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute quinoa for brown rice for a gluten-free or higher protein option.
- Use low-sodium beef broth to control the salt content in the soup.
- For a vegetarian version, replace ground beef with plant-based meat or lentils and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and taste even better the next day.
- This soup can be frozen in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Keywords: cabbage roll soup, ground beef soup, healthy soup, easy dinner, cabbage soup, comfort food, weeknight meal